Kariba business expo exhibitors decrease

Published: 08 September 2013

THE second edition of the Kariba business expo and tourism show saw a decrease in the number of exhibitors and a low turnout which the organisers have attributed partly to the focus on the United vNations World Tourism Authority (UNWTO) summit that was held last month.

According to the organisers of the exhibition, Safecan Holdings, a number of companies especially those into tourism could not participate at the Kariba show as they had dedicated all their resources to the UNWTO summit as well as the wait and see attitude adopted by businesses during the election period.

"This is our second edition and we expected it to be better than last year but there was a decrease in the number of exhibitors. There has been 50-50 participation from local companies and those from outside Kariba," said Mr Maxton Kanhema.

The exhibition which was held at the Mopani Bay campsite from 5-8 September was held under the theme Networking into the future.

"Our main aim was to create a link between Kariba based businesses and those from out of the town. Last year we had companies like Toyota Zimbabwe and Dunlop from Harare and this time around we have had exhibitors like Old Mutual, Cater Quip and other companies from out of town showcasing," said Mr Kanhema.

He said the purpose of the show is to increase visibility of the resort town and its businesses which have been undermarketed.

Mr Kanhema said the low turnout would deter them as they have a vision for the town and the expected influx of existing and potential investors will see Kariba moving forward and be able to look into the future with increased focus.

A number of sectors and towns have held such business expos as a means to spearhead development and encourage interaction.

Meanwhile, other potential exhibitors who had apparently paid deposits failed to show up after learning that the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority was exhibiting and feared their unregistered businesses might attract the revenue collector.

"A lot of companies had shown interest and some had even paid a deposit to showcase their businesses but after discovering that Zimra was there, they decided not to show up which was rather a setback," said one exhibitor who spoke on condition of anonymity.
- sundaynews